The resurrection plant ( Anastatica hierochuntica ) is also known as Jerusalem Christ’s Resurrection plant , St. Mary ’s blossom , Jericho rose and uprise - of - Jericho . It is an annual of the Brassicaceae family , relate to common plants like broccoli . The tumbleweed - eccentric plant , encounter in depressions in sandy loam or desert land in Israel and elsewhere in the Middle East , North Africa and western Asia , has the ability to bourgeon flowers if fruiting branches are order in water , even after a twelvemonth or more without moisture . The genus name , Anastatica , comes from the Greek " anastasis , " which mean " resurrection . "
Appearance and Growth Habit
The resurrection plant is small , between 2 and 4 inches marvelous . Its belittled , oval - determine leaves and branches form a rosette . The flowers are tiny and white , with four folio apiece . The fruits are also ovoid , with two fender on each yield . It normally flowers in other spring , though it can flower at other time after rain . To pull round the drought characteristic of the desert environment , the works whorl in on itself , form a woody clump that can be from 4 to 12 inches wide . A industrial plant that shew the " resurrection " phenomenon , by which the stems expand and outgrowth begins after submersion in water , is called " hygroscopic . "
Medicinal Uses
All parts of the plant are used in the mannikin of extract and taken internally . Preparations made from resurrection flora have been used in traditional Middle Eastern music for a variety of condition , including pain , colds , epilepsy , ophthalmic complaint , diabetes and as a protection against liver disorders .
Biblical Associations
According to generator James A. Duke , fable hold that the Virgin Mary hold close a handful of resurrection plant while in labor with Jesus . Because of this , it is believed that if pregnant women drink water that has been used to " resurrect " one of the flora , the piss will be beneficial to the unborn child and will also bring in secure luck . custom in some Arab cultures obligate that if the same water is consumed during labor , the pains will be comfort .
Seed Dispersal
The plant life keep their fruits enclosed and entire when the branches draw in inward and dry out out during drought . When winter pelting make the branches open up again , the seed capsules undefendable as well and cum is dissipate .
Name Confusion
According to M. Grieve in " A Modern Herbal , " the name " rose , " with its many positive associations , has been given to many storied and celebrated plant that are not true roses ( genus Rosa ) . This is the grammatical case with the common name of the Resurrection of Christ plant , rose wine - of - Jericho .
